In Shi'a hadiths, the anniversary has been called "Eid Allah al-Akbar" (the greatest eid of God), Eid of Ahl al-Bayt (a) and "Ashraf al-A'yad" (Most Honorable Eid). Shi'a celebrate this day around the world with various customs.

The Prophet (s) gathered people in Ghadir Khumm, raised Ali's (a) hand so that everyone sees and asked, "O people! Do I not have wilaya (guardianship) over you more than you have over yourself?" People answered, "Yes, O Prophet (s)!" Then, the Prophet (s) said:

"God is my wali (guardian) and I am wali of the believers; and I have wilaya over them more than they have over themselves. So anyone I am his wali, Ali (a) is his wali."